Python Flask Flask-Uploads: File Size Exceeded

The uploaded file exceeds the maximum allowed size.

Understanding Flask-Uploads

Flask-Uploads is an extension for the Flask web framework that simplifies the process of handling file uploads. It provides a convenient way to manage file uploads, including setting file size limits, file type restrictions, and organizing uploaded files into different sets.

For more information, you can visit the official Flask-Uploads documentation.

Identifying the Symptom

When using Flask-Uploads, you might encounter an error indicating that the file size has been exceeded. This typically occurs when a user attempts to upload a file larger than the configured maximum file size limit.

Observed Error

The error message might look something like this:

RequestEntityTooLarge: 413 Request Entity Too Large

This error indicates that the server is rejecting the request because the file size exceeds the allowed limit.

Root Cause of the Issue

The primary cause of this error is that the uploaded file's size surpasses the maximum file size limit set in the Flask-Uploads configuration. By default, Flask-Uploads may have a restrictive file size limit to prevent excessive resource usage.

Configuration Settings

The file size limit is typically defined in the application's configuration settings. If not explicitly set, it might default to a value that is too low for your application's needs.

Steps to Resolve the Issue

To fix the "File Size Exceeded" error, you need to increase the maximum file size limit in your Flask application configuration. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Update Configuration

Locate your Flask application's configuration file, usually named config.py or similar. Add or update the following configuration setting:

MAX_CONTENT_LENGTH = 16 * 1024 * 1024 # 16 MB

This example sets the maximum file size to 16 MB. Adjust the value according to your needs.

Step 2: Restart Your Flask Application

After updating the configuration, restart your Flask application to apply the changes. You can do this by stopping and starting the Flask server:

flask run

Ensure that the server restarts without any errors.

Step 3: Test the Upload

Attempt to upload a file that previously failed due to size restrictions. If the configuration is correct, the file should upload successfully without triggering the "File Size Exceeded" error.

Conclusion

By increasing the MAX_CONTENT_LENGTH setting in your Flask application's configuration, you can resolve the "File Size Exceeded" error when using Flask-Uploads. Always ensure that the file size limit is appropriate for your application's requirements and server capabilities.

For further reading, check out the Flask File Uploads Pattern documentation.

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